Bonding With Your Kids Through Music

Then consider joining in the fun and experience it firsthand. You can study, explore, and enjoy music side-by-side with your kids. Whether you both take private instruction, learn simultaneously in a semi-private lesson, or take a group class together, it’s more than sharing a common activity—your fostering the love of music together. We’ve got parents here who do just that.

Three family members, three instruments, three faculty members
The piano is the instrument of choice for CCM parent Tracy Bull, and she studies with Chieko Loy. However, her daughter chose the violin and takes lessons with Eric Mrugala. In contrast, her son decided to learn the bass from Justin Meyer. They may have chosen three different instruments, but they all have the same motivation and desire to create music.

Taking music lessons at the same time as your kids may help motivate them to practice and learn their instruments. Tracy exclaims, “Seeing their parent willingly practice might encourage my kids and learn that practice shouldn’t be dreaded! It also instills in them the idea that music is a lifelong journey–that it is never “too late” to learn something new.”

When each family member learns a different instrument, everyone learns more. Each family member will inevitably speak about their instrument and their own learning experience. Bonding with kids happens magically as family members share their music, practice strategies, and playing techniques, even if everyone plays different instruments. Just think—without leaving home, an ensemble or rock group can begin.

Empathy for learning
Parents learn and understand that finding the time and motivation to practice can be challenging. Being humble, Tracy says, is the main benefit she gets from her kids taking music lessons alongside her. “It is interesting to see my kids progress so quickly (sometimes without much practice)! As an adult learner, patience is key—although I practice more, it doesn’t necessarily equate to faster learning!”

When a parent and their kid learn the same instrument together in a semi-private lesson, they can help each other out after each lesson. Case in point, CCM parent Jason Griswold, who studies guitar together with his son, explains why lessons with CCM guitar faculty member Phil Sargent are a huge motivator to practice for them both. He mentioned that they frequently discuss how they aren’t always quite prepared and feel the need to practice more. Jason says, “We jam together at home, mostly after lessons, as we are pumped to apply our new learnings.”

Quality time together
It’s having a set time to be with your kid—to have a fantastic learning experience together and then sharing your music with the rest of the family. It’s about creating meaningful memories that make an indelible impression and bring joy. And, kids witness a parent’s challenges learning an instrument, not only the successes. Jason says, “The best part is that once a week, Ollie and I have dedicated time to spend together learning something new. It is so important for kids to see their parents struggling with new things, and I definitely struggle!”

Working as a team
CCM student Nina Bitter takes violin lessons with Nicole Parks, but she decided to branch out and join a group class with her mom.

A friend and her daughter invited CCM parent Cathie Bitter if she and her daughter Nina would like to join the Ukulele Crash Course with them. She thought they could all spend some time together and do something fun. Of course, the ukulele is a fun instrument! Cathie recalls, “I thought it was a great idea, and it was an easy sell for Nina once she knew her friend was doing it too.”
The mom-daughter team has a built-in support system at home. “One of the greatest benefits is that we spend time together learning something new, and we can jointly figure things out. Nina plays the violin already, so she can pick things up much faster than I can and show me what to do!” Cathie explains.

Cathie said that they always practice together—great teamwork in action. She says, “One of us plays the chords, and one plays the melody. We are finding it much more fun to play the ukulele with someone rather than on your own!”

Greater appreciation for the challenges of learning something new
Cathie continues, “It has always been a challenge to encourage our kids to practice their instruments daily. So, I thought I could be a role model and show how easy it is to practice every day. Well, now I have learned how challenging practicing is! It is hard to find time and energy to practice effectively and learn something new after a long day at school or work. I now have a much greater appreciation for our kids’ effort and commitment to learning music.”

With validation from Tracy, Jason, and Cathie, and CCM offering terrific learning experiences led by highly-accomplished music instructors, there’s no better time than now to learn music with your kids and other family members. The bonding through music doesn’t have to stop with your kids—encourage grandparents, cousins, or siblings to join in the fun.
Need more encouragement?

Here’s why you need to reserve your group class spot today with your family members:

• Keep your minds sharp and engaged.
• Take advantage of our Early Bird Group Class Registration and reserve your spot! When you register early, you’ll save 10%. Check out our exciting CCM group class line-up, including the expanded early childhood program with the new Little Notes and Family Notes class. Or, take a deep dive into the Blues and American music on the guitar.